Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
Is it possible that the new Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones can have the same market impact as its predecessor?
Back in 2018 when Sony released the WH-1000XM3 headphones it changed portable audio options for travellers overnight!
At the time, many of us considered the Bose option to be the best travel companion, but the QC35 II was no match for the excellent XM3.
Bose, in all fairness, had a remarkable recovery with last years new Headphones 700. And while the styling may not have been to everyone’s taste, the was no denying the great audio quality.
Features
Where some may agree with the above statement on Bose styling, it is the opposite with the new WH-1000XM4 Headphones, Sony has hardly changed a thing on the outside.
But if its not broken, why fix it!
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Instead, Sony concentrated on improving an already very good user experience by focusing on performance and comfort for the traveller.
Whether you’re flying long haul or relaxing in a café, the WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver Sony’s best ever noise cancelling performance, reducing high and mid-frequency sounds.
Sony
Noise Cancelling Technology
The key to the success of the XM3, and now, the XM4’s is the Q1 HD Noise Cancelling Processor. This processor takes feedback from four different microphones on the earcups and with the Dual Noise Sensor technology, reduces external noise pollution from your listening.
In addition to this is the new Bluetooth Audio System on Chip which, Sony claims, “senses and adjusts to music and noise at over 700 times per second”. Perfect for those noisy flights!
Intelligent Sony Headphones
A look at the bottom of this page gives a side by side comparison on the Sony hardware between new and old. They’re nearly identical. So why should travellers be investing in the newer Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones?
When partnered with the Sony | Headphones Connect App (Android|iOS), the new WH-1000XM4 headphones utilise Adaptive Sound Control. The headphones learn different locations and can adjust the sound and playback to suit the situation.
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Frequent fliers will be please to know there are two new design aspects added just for them.
Personal Noise cancellation – Analyses unique sonic characteristics caused by head size, glasses, and hair, then tailors the sound to you.
Atmospheric Pressure Optimising – Delivers optimal sound at high altitude.
Improved Control
There will be three ways to control the new Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.
The same touch sensitive earcups make a return for simple hand gestures whilst wearing the headphones. These control music, voice calls and voice assistants (Google & Alexa are supported).
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Secondly, is a new inclusion, Precise Voice Pickup. This technology makes use of the onboard microphones and as you begin to talk the WH-1000XM4 headphones mute themselves until you finish the conversation.
Finally, Wearing Detection will automatically pause/restart the audio when removed or replaced from your head.
Specifications
| WH-1000XM4 | WH-1000XM3 | |
| Driver Unit | 40mm Dome Type | 40mm Dome Type |
| Frequency Response | 4Hz-40,000Hz | 4Hz-40,000Hz |
| Diaphragm | Aluminum coated LCP | Aluminum coated LCP |
| Ports | USB-C Audio Jack | USB-C Audio Jack |
| Battery | Up to 38 Hours | Up to 38 Hours |
| Charge Time | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Controls | Touch Sensitive | Touch Sensitive |
| Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Colour Options | Black Silver | Black Silver |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 NFC | Bluetooth 4.2 NFC |
How Much do the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones Cost?
The new WH-1000XM4 headphones are available now direct from Sony for $348/£349
Alternatively, Prime members can shop at their local Amazon store and get free shipping for $348/£349.
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Join the Conversation
Are you a Sony or Bose fan? If you are a frequent flier what features are most important to you from your headphones?
Does the lack of new styling detract from the audio experience the new Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones will deliver?
Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter.
Visit sony.com for further information.
I bought the 1000XM3 series last year for weekly work travel. I just wear them from the moment I board the plane until I reach my destination. So comfortable and I still use them till this day. One charge lasted about a few days worth of travel. I probably won’t get the new ones just yet. No need for that at this time. I do like the feature of having multiple bluetooth devices connected when used.. instead of connecting manually.
I agree, they really were/are great headphones for travelling with. I have high hopes for the XM4 but I’m not sure there is enough ‘new’ in them to convince many to upgrade from the XM3.